PRESS RELEASE

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — July 23, 2026 — The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed July 19-25 as National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week, recognizing the dedicated professionals who work every day to improve public safety while helping justice-involved individuals successfully reenter the community. 

The proclamation recognizes the Santa Cruz County Probation Department’s role in providing evidence-based supervision, treatment, education, workforce development, and other supportive services that reduce recidivism and strengthen communities. Probation professionals balance accountability with rehabilitation, collaborating with courts, law enforcement, schools, behavioral health providers, and community organizations to improve outcomes for individuals and families. 

“Probation staff play a unique role in our justice system by helping people take responsibility for their actions while providing the support and structure needed to build safer, healthier futures,” Chief Probation Officer Sandra Mendez said. “Our staff works to protect our community by reducing recidivism, strengthening families, and helping individuals make positive changes.” 

Probation combines supervision with evidence-based rehabilitation, connecting individuals to services that address the underlying causes of criminal behavior. Modern probation officers receive extensive training in trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based approaches, and other practices that help people successfully transition back into the community. California leaders have recognized probation as a cost-effective public safety strategy that promotes accountability while improving long-term community safety. 

During Probation Services Week, the County encourages residents to recognize the often-unseen work of probation officers and professional staff whose commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and public safety positively impacts thousands of individuals, victims, and families each year.